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Chiefs vs. Raiders – Storylines for each team

By David Thomas

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Murray Returns To The Running Game

During their previous wWeek 6 matchup the Raiders were only able to muster 64 yards on 17 rushing attempts. However, the Raiders were missing a key component, Latavius Murray who missed the prior tussle. Since his return the Raiders have rushed for an average of 119.2 yards a game.

But the Raiders have still struggled at times despite ranking 7th in the league in rushing yards. In recent weeks against the Panthers and Texans in Weeks 11 and 12, the Raiders were only able to manage 86 rushing yards on 51 attempts (1.69 yards per attempt).

The Chiefs rank 27th (121.9 yards per game) in rushing yards allowed. Latavius Murray could certainly be in for a big game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it might not help them win the game.

Returning To Form

Kalil Mack has appeared to regain his dominating form as he entered the previous matchup with just 1 sack on the season. But Mack now enters the matchup with eight sacks in the previous 6 weeks since. As of the start of week 14 Mack is ranked as the Ni. 3 defensive player according to PFF.

In week 12 against the Carolina Panthers Mack became the first players since 2009 to record a sack, forced fumble & recovery, and a touchdown in the same game. In Week 13 against the Bills Mack had a strip sack on the Bills second to last drive to help secure the win.

Against the Chiefs Mack will likely see a lot of work against right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif who have played well overall this season, but struggled in the second half of the season. Mack will be called upon again to stop a Chiefs team that has found just about every way to win this season.

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